Exploring Employment Opportunities

Copyright
Copyright Texas Education Agency, 2012. These Materials are copyrighted and
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Copyright Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.

Career Cluster
Human Services
Programs of Study/Career Pathways
Consumer Services
Counseling & Mental Health Services
Early Childhood Development & Services
Family & Community Services
Personal Care Services

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Goals
Something to work for
Clear ideas, plans, or purposes
Dreams
Vision
Short term
Long term

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Long Term vs. Short Term Goals

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Interests, Aptitudes, and Abilities

In selecting a career, keep in
mind:
what do you like to do
your natural abilities or
talents
what you know how to do
well

Copyright Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.

Employment
Job growth will

increase by 20%
between 2010 and
2020
Parents will need
childcare while they
work
Demand for childcare
workers is expected to
grow
Copyright Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.

Basic Requirements
Vary from state to

state
Minimum of a high
school diploma
Experience
Continued education
preferred
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Education and Training

Begin in High School and enroll in:
Principles of Human Services
Child Development
Counseling and Mental Health
Practicum in Human Services

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Certificate Programs
Available:
Child Development

Associate (CDA)
Child Care Professional
(CCP)
Texas Directors
Certificate
Online College Credit
Eligible CDA Certificate

Involve:
coursework
observations
hands-on activities
safety and sanitation
work experience

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11

Associates Degree Programs

Offered by many colleges and

universities
Associate Degrees available in:
Child Development
Social Work
Completed in two years
Offer hands-on practice

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12

Bachelors Degree Programs

Required preparation for professional

jobs
Usually take 4 years to complete
Bachelors Degrees available in:
Elementary education
Secondary education
Postsecondary education

Require observations
Student teaching

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Entry-Level Training
Part-time, entry-level job
Basic training and experience
On the job training
Offer flexible hours
Often work around school schedule

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Employability Skills Needed

Communication and teamwork
Positive attitude
Willingness to learn
Technology skills
Math skills
Analyzing and problem solving skills
First Aid and CPR preferred

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Continued Education
Learning does not stop after completing a

program
You must keep up with current rules and
regulations in the industry
Continue updating your skills:
additional certificate programs
conferences
educational opportunities
meetings
seminars
webinars
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Entrepreneurship Opportunities
Advantages

Disadvantages

Ownership

Financial risk

Job satisfaction

Competition

Earning

No guarantees

potential

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17

Obtaining Employment
Professional employment portfolio

Resume
Certifications
Record of skills attained
Letters of reference

Make sure to accurately complete the job application

Practice interview skills

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Maintaining Employment
Once you have secured employment, be sure to:
arrive to work on time
work responsibly
work safely
respect the business
maintain a positive attitude
complete your assigned tasks

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19

Terminating Employment
If you must quit your job, be sure to follow these steps:
Provide employer with at least two weeks notice
Provide employer with a written letter of resignation
which should include:

reason for leaving

statement thanking employer for experience
your offer to train new employee

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Careers in Child Development

Adult Literacy and GED Teachers
Career and Technical Education

Occupational Therapists
Preschool and Childcare Center

Teachers
Childcare Workers
Dieticians and Nutritionists
Fitness Trainers and Instructors
Health Educators
High School Teachers
Kindergarten and Elementary
School Teachers
Librarians
Library Technicians and Assistants
Mental Health Counselors and
Marriage and Family Therapist
Middle School Teachers

Directors
Preschool Teacher
Psychiatric Technicians and Aides
Psychologists
Recreational Therapists
School and Career Counselors
Social Workers
Special Education Teachers
Speech Language Pathologists
Teacher Assistants
Substance Abuse and Behavior
Disorders Counselors

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rights reserved.

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Questions

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References/Resources

Textbook:
Sasse, Connie. Families Today. 4th. Peoria: McGraw-Hill , 2004. 125-137.

Websites:
Association for Childhood Education International
Each child possesses a unique set of gifts and talents. Educators and others
invested in the education of children should value each child as a unique and
special individual.
http://www.acei.org
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Exploring career information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov/k12/
Child Welfare League of America
CWLA is a powerful coalition of hundreds of private and public agencies
serving vulnerable children and families since 1920. Their expertise, leadership
and innovation on policies, programs, and practices help improve the lives of
millions of children in all 50 states.
http://www.cwla.org

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References/Resources
Websites:
National Association for the Education of Young
Children
Provide resources for Early Childhood Professionals to improve their practice through professional
development, allowing them to grow in the field.
http://www.naeyc.org
Occupational Outlook Handbook
The nations premier source for career information
http://bls.gov/ooh/
Professionalism
An article conveying no matter the industry from customer service to an office job to construction
and the trades all of these jobs have one thing in common: in order to succeed and move ahead, you
need to demonstrate professionalism-page 114.
http://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/youth/softskills/Professionalism.pdf
TexasCARES
This website includes a self assessment, skills transferability, exploring work, career clusters and
occupation information.
http://www.texascaresonline.com/assessment/samenu.asp
The Occupational Outlook Handbook Teachers Guide
To assist the students with their career search.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/About/Teachers-Guide.htm

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